Fifteen schools have commits on Team USA, with Boston College, Michigan, Minnesota, Minnesota Duluth and Ohio State boasting two participants each.

Twenty-one of the 22 players selected are currently in the USHL; BC commit Ryan Fitzgerald of the WJHL's Valley Jr. Warriors is the lone exception.

The U.S. won the World Junior A Challenge three straight years (2008-10) before finishing third last season. Three players - Austin Cangelosi (Boston College), Vincent Hinostroza (Notre Dame) and Ian McCoshen (uncommitted) return from last year's team.

Canada will enter two teams in the event - Canada East and Canada West - to be determined by tryouts in Toronto and Calgary, respectively. Each of those teams figure to have heavy representation by future college players as well.